Mon Dec 23 08:10:50 UTC 2024: ## Lebanese Church Rebuilds Christmas Spirit Amidst War’s Ruins
**Dardghaya, Lebanon** – A Christmas tree stands defiantly amidst the rubble of St. George Melkite Catholic Church in southern Lebanon, a symbol of resilience in the face of devastation. The 18th-century church, a community hub, was destroyed during October’s Israeli airstrikes that escalated the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Georges Elia, a local resident, took the initiative to decorate the small tree, a poignant gesture amidst the shattered pews and destroyed power lines that prevent the use of lights. The traditional Nativity scene is absent, deemed too fragile for the uneven ground. “This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness,” Elia said, “but we didn’t want it to be a sad one for the town.”
The church, serving approximately 30 families, has been damaged three times by Israeli forces over the years. Father Maurice el Khoury, the priest who has served the church for 11 years, described his shock at the extent of the damage, estimating restoration costs at nearly $3 million. He now conducts Mass in a small, repaired underground room.
The airstrikes were part of a larger conflict, with the World Bank estimating that nearly 100,000 homes across Lebanon have been damaged, totaling $3.2 billion in losses. Despite the immense destruction and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, the community maintains its faith, preparing for Christmas Mass in their makeshift sanctuary. The priest stated, “This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born. We are the people embodying the birth of Christ in our reality.” The Christmas tree, though modest, serves as a powerful testament to their enduring spirit.
First Piper 